What Is the Outlook for Penetrating Injuries to the Hoof?

Introduction
Penetrating injuries to the solar surface of the foot can range from inconsequential to life-threatening. the anatomical location of the penetrating injury is a major determin- ing factor in the potential outcome, since outcome is related directly to the importance of the structures that lie proximal to the area of the penetration. penetrating injuries in the region of the middle third of the frog and the frog sulci require the most aggressive investigation and treatment, since the underlying structures include the deep digital flexor tendon, the navicular bursa and the distal interphalangeal joint. a recent multi- centre study has shown that despite aggressive treatment of these injuries, the out- come is only fair for life and poor for return to athletic function.

Important features of the clinical presentation
One of the most important features of clinical presentation is the location of the pene- trating injury on the solar surface of the foot, followed by the diameter and length of the offending object. the central third of the foot, in particular, the central third of the frog region presents the most dangerous area for a horse to sustain a penetrating injury. penetrating injuries to the solar surface within 1 cm of the white line, will usually affect the underlying sole, solar corium and possible the margins of the third phalanx. Simi- larly, penetrating injuries in the dorsal third of the sole are less likely to have penetrated any synovial structures, but frequently contact the third phalanx, producing a focal area of bone necrosis or sequestrum formation. penetrating wounds to the palmar/plantar one third of the hoof surface are likely to penetrate the spongy frog and the underlying digital cushion. if the penetrating object in the palmar/plantar one third of the frog is longer than 4-5 cm, then the digital flexor tendon sheath is more likely to be involved. [...]